By Shruti Menon Seeboo
In an increasingly interconnected world, educational partnerships play a pivotal role in fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. Her Excellency, Kate Chamley, the Australian High Commissioner to Mauritius, recently shared insights on the participation of prominent Australian universities, including Monash University and the University of New South Wales, in the upcoming Campus Abroad Study Fair on November 23 and 24. This significant event not only highlights Australia’s commitment to strengthening educational ties with Mauritius but also presents Mauritian students with invaluable opportunities to explore diverse academic pathways.
The inclusion of these esteemed institutions at the fair emphasises the high quality of education available in Australia and the supportive learning environments they provide. Students will have the chance to engage directly with representatives, gaining firsthand knowledge about courses, scholarship opportunities, and the overall student experience in Australia. As they seek to broaden their horizons and pursue higher education abroad, this initiative serves as a testament to the importance of global education and the mutual benefits it brings to both Australia and Mauritius.
Her Excellency Chamley highlighted the transformative power of education, underscoring how it equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate an ever-changing world. In our conversation, she expressed optimism about the future of educational collaboration and its potential to shape the next generation of leaders. Excerpts:
- How does the participation of prominent Australian universities, like Monash University and the University of New South Wales, in the Campus Abroad Study Fair reflect Australia’s commitment to strengthening educational ties with Mauritius?
People-to-people links, and education are a vital bedrock of Australia-Mauritius relations, with the Mauritian diaspora in Australia (the second largest in the world) and the Australian alumni community in Mauritius playing important roles. Study fairs are excellent platforms to grow these important relations. The regular participation of Australian universities at these fairs, including the upcoming Campus Abroad Study Fair, demonstrates the interest and commitment of Australian education providers to the Mauritian market.
- What role does the Australian High Commission play in facilitating partnerships and exchange programs between Australian and Mauritian institutions?
As I mentioned earlier, education is an important part of Australia-Mauritius relations. The High Commission works closely with colleagues from Australia’s Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) to facilitate partnerships between Australian and Mauritian institutions that are mutually beneficial for both parties. For example, there are 10 Australian education providers who have partnerships with Mauritian institutions. Those partnerships are the result of many years of work by the Australian High Commission and Austrade to bring education providers together and help broker agreements that give students fantastic study options and a more diverse education offering here. They also make many of the Australian institutions truly global.
- Australia is known for its high-quality education system. How do you see Australian universities addressing the specific needs and aspirations of Mauritian students?
Australia offers some of the best universities in the world that not only offer a great student experience but also qualifications that are current, industry-relevant and of world-class standard. As Australia’s High Commissioner to Mauritius, I feel privileged to see firsthand how Australian education has met the needs and aspirations of Mauritian students through my engagement with the local Australian alumni community. I am impressed how members of the community are using their Australian education and training to make significant contributions to the development of Mauritius. Whether they are working in the public, private or non-government sectors, every day I see or hear that they are drawing on their experience of studying in Australia or using their Australian qualification to make important contributions in their respective fields. For me personally to witness this, is one of the most uplifting aspects of my role here in Mauritius.
- What are the key areas of study or industries where Australian education excels that could benefit Mauritian students and their future career prospects?
Australian universities are ranked in the top 50 worldwide in the study areas of Engineering and Technologies, Life Sciences and Medicine, Arts and Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences and Management in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. Mauritian students can generally find any course they are looking for on offer at an Australian university.
Among Australia’s international alumni are leading scientists, designers, educators, entrepreneurs, artists, and humanitarians. Some have become world leaders in groundbreaking research and development and have helped to change the world for the better.
- With the evolving landscape of international education, particularly post-pandemic, how is Australia ensuring that Mauritian students can access world-class education, both on-campus and through digital platforms?
The on-campus learning experiences on offer in Australia are ideal for international students, given Australia’s high-quality education offerings, a welcoming culture, vibrant student cities and beautiful natural surroundings. But for those Mauritian students that are not able to travel, they can still have an on-campus experience and gain an Australian qualification right here in Mauritius, either through Curtin Mauritius, North and South Metropolitan TAFE (Charles Telfair Education), La Trobe University (Polytechnics Mauritius) or the Ducere Business School (University of Mauritius).
Today many Australian universities are also offering online courses to both domestic and international students and while some courses still require in-person attendance, there are some impressive examples of innovative on-line learning. For example, Australia’s Engineering Institute of Technology offers online engineering programs to students from over 140+ countries using live and interactive webinars, remote laboratories, and simulation software. They offer some amazing courses and they’ve been doing it online since well before the COVID19 pandemic!
- How do you envision the future of Australia-Mauritius educational relations evolving, and what initiatives or collaborations should we look forward to in the coming years?
We are looking forward to seeing increased transnational education partnerships between Australian and Mauritian partners in education, but also hope to see research partnerships between our two countries grow.
